Tag Archives: Go Argos

It’s no secret the University of West Florida’s spring sports are a force to be reckoned with. After the men’s golf team, women’s golf team and women’s tennis team won their respective Gulf South Conference Championships this week, spring sports now hold 56 of UWF’s 86 all-time championship titles. Currently, all six UWF spring teams are ranked in the top 25 of the NCAA DII national rankings.

Men’s golf

Ranked highest is men’s golf. After the fall season, the UWF men’s golf team was ranked No.1 in the nation. The men’s team battled 10 other teams in the GSC to win the championship. After sitting in second place for the first two days, they came out on top on the final day to win its 14th consecutive GSC Championship title. Men’s golf now is ranked No. 2 in the nation heading into the NCAA South/Southeast Regionals to be hosted in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida.

Men’s tennis

UWF Men’s Tennis, possibly the most successful and decorated team at the university, follows closely behind in its respective polls at No. 4. After a close match with Valdosta State at the GSC Tournament, the Argos lost 4-5, dropping them to No. 2 in the South Region. Ranked No. 4 in preseason national polls, the Argos held on to its spot in national rankings as they head into the Regional Tournament May 7 with the location to be determined.

Women’s tennis

Women’s tennis follows closely behind the men’s team at No. 6. The women’s team victory over Valdosta State landed the GSC Championship over the weekend. Despite adding six new players to its roster of 13, the women continue to be successful and challenge each other to win its sixth consecutive GSC title (16th overall). The women’s team will head into the South Region Tournament from May 2 with a 22-5 overall record.

Women’s golf

The women’s golf team proved it is worthy of the No. 8 national ranking last week by winning the GSC Championship title. Though they sat on an eight-shot deficit leading into the final day, they bounced back to win the fifth consecutive GSC title for UWF women’s golf. Head coach Bryan Clarke has high hopes for the team in the NCAA Tournament, but they must first make it past the NCAA South/Southeast Regional, which will be in Pensacola May 2-4.

Baseball

Next in the corresponding rankings, formerly No. 17-ranked UWF baseball’s split-series win over No. 12 Delta State University last weekend earning them the No. 11 spot in national rankings. Currently ranked No. 1 in the GSC, the baseball team still has seven regular season games before it enters the GSC Tournament beginning on May 7.

Softball

Last, but certainly not least, the softball team moved up in national rankings after sweeping No. 21 Delta State, earning them its 14th consecutive win and the No. 21 national ranking. With an overall record of 35-11 and a GSC record of 21-8, the softball team’s conference record is the best since 2006. UWF softball still has three regular season games against Shorter University before heading into the GSC Tournament held from April 28-30 as No. 2 in the conference.

With three of six of the 2016 GSC tiles already won, UWF’s potential to nearly sweep the conference championship titles look promising heading into the end of the season.

The Disney College Program offers students opportunities to work in many different areas, from park greeter, Photo Pass photographer, resort guide and transportation.

Photo courtesy of Disney College Program.

Let’s face it, college is not the most exciting place on earth. Sure, there are a few epic parties here and there, and there’s always that one professor who will make a giant impact on his or her students’ lives, but overall college is college. A place where books and homework haunt you until graduation day.

Fortunately, the University of West Florida offers alternatives. Instead of wooden desks and long lectures, imagine working at the happiest place on earth, making dreams come true and wishes come to life.
Tamara Marmol, a UWF international studies graduate, was a Kilimanjaro Safari driver in Animal Kingdom Park at Disney.UWF’s Hospitality Department offers the Walt Disney World Experiential Learning Program, which is a full semester filled with magic. The program is partnered with the Disney College Program, connecting students from all over the world and teaching them the tools of the trade of being a cast member.

“When spring came last year, I knew I needed to get my internship and field study credits out of the way, and I was craving a bit of a break from school,” Marmol said. “My whole application to the acceptance process took about two weeks.”

Yes, you do have to work, students have the option to pick from multiple roles as a Disney cast member. A few of the roles include being a park greeter, convention guide, photographer or even working the attractions.

Students also can work as housekeepers in Disney Resort Hotels. Perhaps even in Cinderella’s Castle.

Although the program caters to hospitality majors, students of different majors should not be discouraged. The program offers a wide variety courses at Disney including corporate communications, leadership, human resources and interactive learning.

Taylor Fields, a film and television major at Savannah College of Art and Design – Atlanta, applied and never wanted to leave.

“I participated in The Disney College Program the summer of my sophomore year,” Fields said. “I applied, chose my top three roles and waited for my phone interview. After that, I waited to get accepted, and I did. Once accepted I found out I got my third desired role, merchandising.

“I found out I would be working at EPCOT, Towers and Glow,” Fields said. “That included working the two stores in front of The World Showcase, and glow carts selling light up merchandise for the fireworks show at night. They trained us in the most effective way possible, and I finally felt a part of the Disney Family.”

On days off, students participating in the program are allowed to enter the parks for free. From time to time they use their magic as undercover cast members to make guests’ experiences the best they can be.

“I learned so much about how to be magical on stage and off stage,” Fields said.

Marmol’s stay at Disney lasted eight months, longer than the average semester, but she, like Fields, had a chance to experience life after college, both good and bad.

“There were tons of times when I was exhausted or wanted to give up or cried in the break room, but I had to suck it up, put a smile on, and remember that I work in the most magical place on earth,” said Fields.

Despite the rainy days, both women shared how magical their lives became and how Disney prepared them for aspects of post-graduation reality.

“Applying for this program was the best decision I ever made,” Fields said.

The Argos’ football uniform was on display at Signing Day on Wednesday.

Photo by Spenser Garber.

On National Signing Day, the University of West Florida football team grew by 16 players: Ten defensive players, five offensive players, and one special teams player were added. Of the 16 new players, 14 are from Florida.

The 16 signees were joined by the eight mid-year transfers who enrolled in January and are currently practicing with the team. Among these transfers are three wide receivers, consorting with the three wide receivers that signed on Feb. 3. Two quarterbacks were added to the team: a college transfer from Valdosta State, and the other from University Christian High School in Jacksonville. Chris Schwarz, a running back from New Port Richey, ran for more than 5,000 yards in his past two seasons for River Ridge High School.

On the defensive side, three linemen and two defensive backs were signed. Head Coach Pete Shinnick said he is confident in their athleticism.

Ke’shawn Showers, a local linebacker from Pine Forest High School, signed on to the team. He made 13 starts as a captain while on the team and led the Eagles to a District 1-6A title.

“We feel like we have added a great group of young men,” Shinnick said. He said he is enthusiastic and optimistic about how the team will play in the fall in what he describes as “the toughest football conference in the country.”

These additions to the team will boost the roster to a projected 115 players, including a few walk-ons the coach said he expects over the next few months. According to Shinnick, about 70 of these players will be red-shirt freshmen.

The UWF football team will commence its inaugural season Saturday, Sept. 3, at Ave Maria University. Their first home game will be hosted at Wahoos Bayfront Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 10, against Missouri S&T University.

Maritime Park will serve as UWF’s home field until the completion of its stadium on the UWF campus.

The new UWF license plates have been in the works since October 2014. It replaces the Nautilus shell plates which have been used since 1987.

Move over, nautilus shell – make way for “Argie” as he makes his debut on UWF’s new Florida license plate this month.

UWF begins 2016 with the Argo Pride plate starting to claim its territory among the Gators, Seminoles, sea turtles, dolphins and numerous other Florida specialty plates.

Vice President for University Advancement Brendan Kelly says the plate is one small element of the celebratory planning for the university’s 50th anniversary. “The symbols that represent the University are indicators of our past, present and future,” Kelly said. “The new license plate tries to capture all of those, especially with the emergence of this university after 50 years of growth.”

The person behind the new design is University Creative Services Marketing and Design Manager Brittany Boyd. “We wanted a design that would engage spirit, bring enthusiasm and demonstrate Argo Pride,” Boyd said.

Boyd said it has been a long process. She first received the task to design the new plate in October 2014. On Jan. 4 of this year, the new plate became available for purchase. A few new plates have been seen on vehicles in parking lots on campus. UWF President Judy Bense already is sporting the new “Argie” plate on her car.

Alumni Relations Director Missy Grace said she believes UWF alumni will like the new “Argie” plate. “There is an excitement attached with the Argo head logo,” Grace said. “The new plate also provides a stronger connection to football.”

The “CONNECTION,” an alumni and friends magazine published semi-annually by the Alumni Relations Department with the assistance of University Marketing and Communications, will feature the new plate on the back cover of the April 8 issue.

What does it take to get a new tag manufactured? It begins with research. Boyd first explored designs of other universities and evaluated best-known athletic designs. It did not take long to conclude the Argo head logo would best portray Argo Pride. “This is something that students, alumni, faculty and staff would want their school to be known by instead of the nautilus shell,” Boyd said.

Once Boyd received university approval for one of four designs, “Argie” was sent to the Department of Motor Vehicles for approval, which then sent it on to the Florida Highway Patrol to be reviewed for legibility and approval. Once “Argie” was deemed acceptable by the FHP, a plate was made and sent back to the university for final approval. In total, it took seven to nine months for the “Argie” plate to be manufactured into inventory.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website, you can replace your current license plate with a new UWF “Argie” specialty when you renew your registration at your local tax collector’s office. Just let them know you want to replace your current license plate with the specialty plate.

If you want to switch from a regular plate to the new UWF “Argie” plate before renewal time, you may do so by going to www.GoRenew.com, but it will cost extra.

According to FHSMV, specialty license plates cost a set fee annually above the regular Florida license plate based on the type of plate. The additional funds support the cause for which the specialty license plate was designed.

In the case of “Argie,” the funds ($25 annually) added to the registration fee contributeto a UWF Foundation fund that provides support to academic enhancements. This fund was established when the first UWF license plate, the nautilus shell, was enacted Oct. 1, 1987.

If you would like a plate for décor or to give as a gift, you may purchase a sample license plate for $28. Simply go to http://www.flhsmv.gov/dmv/forms/BTR/83000.pdf, complete the Sample License Plate Request form and mail your check or money order payable to Division of Motor Vehicles to the address provided.

Soon motorists will begin to see a new face staring at them on the streets, in parking lots, and at traffic stops

There is no doubt about it: Prepaid debit cards are everywhere. Available at most gas stations, department stores, and drug stores around the country, this is a common ad for them: Add money any time. Pay by phone or online. No credit check. Add only what you need. Only when you need it.

A standard pack contains a plastic card, which has a number on the back to call to activate it and add money. With the same phone call, you can set up a PIN to withdraw your money at any ATM. Standard purchase price ranges from $3 to $6 dollars.

Sounds really convenient, right? Only spend what you need; don’t worry about trying to pay down those high balances on a regular credit card. It seems like a good way to budget your money, or make those online purchases on Amazon.com or Ebay.

But are these prepaid cards worth the convenience? Do they have a place in the day-to-day spending, budgeting, and finances of the average American consumer? Or are they along the same lines as Title Loans, Payday Advance Loans and appliance rental places – places whose business is built on exploiting people at their most vulnerable, when they have the most to lose?

According to estimates from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s 2015 Survey of Consumer Payment Choice, about one-third of American consumers have a prepaid card of some type. Some cards are targeted to specific customer needs. For example, these cards may be used to substitute for bank accounts for people who, for whatever reason, do not qualify. Gift cards, employee incentive cards, payroll cards, and government benefit cards provide a simplified system of budgeting and money distribution.

But beware – many prepaid cards have complicated fee structures that can be difficult to understand. Fees, as well as terms and conditions, vary by card. Fees may be assessed for initial activation, monthly maintenance, ATM withdrawals, reloading, replacement, monthly statements, and more.

To answer the original question, the use of prepaid debit cards, as with anything in life, is simply a matter of choices and options. If you qualify for a credit card, and you can pay it off each month, then a credit card is generally your best bet, unless the interest is 18 percent or higher. However, if you do not qualify for a credit card, or if the interest rate is too high to justify using one, or if you just have to make that purchase from Amazon.com or Ebay, then some form of prepaid debit card might be a viable option. Just know that if you leave your money on your prepaid debit card, instead of taking it off in cash or purchase, you will be hit with some kind of monthly fee until there is zero balance left on the card.

Blizzard Bash was held from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday in front of the Field House and was open and free to all current UWF students. This year’s bash had a great turnout with several tables set up, displaying information about various student organizations, giving students the opportunity to learn more about each group.

James Hebbel, a UWF junior majoring in public relations, said Blizzard Bash is a way to connect with many student organizations at once, because you cannot always reach out to each one individually. This event allows students to interact with as many different student organizations as they want during a two-hour period.

“It’s a great way to not only talk about what we do, but show the campus what we do and why we do what we do,” said Kaley Lother, captain of the UWF dance team and a senior majoring in hospitality recreation and resort management. “The students go all out with their organizations. It’s a great way to get connected to other people on this campus.”

Kristi Summerlin, a member of Alpha Chi Omega and a sophomore majoring in global marketing, said, “Blizzard Bash is so much fun because there are so many cool activities, and there’s great food and music.” Summerlin said it is also a great opportunity for her organization to raise money for a flag football tournament based around domestic violence awareness.

Not only was there food and music at this annual event, but a few organizations signed up to participate in the first contest of the evening, a snowman-building contest. Participants had to build a snowman using cornstarch and shaving cream within a 10-minute time limit.

A second contest was the annual sled race. Each group participating was required to create a team sled for the race. The group with the sled that slid down the sidewalk the fastest won the contest. This year team Alpha Chi Omega and Sigma Chi slid away with the victory.

Food, drinks and music are just a few things that the sixth annual Blizzard Bash will have to offer while kicking off the 2016 spring semester.

Blizzard Bash is a celebration with campus organizations giving students the opportunity to interact and learn more about groups that may be of interest to them.

This event is open and free to all current UWF students and will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday in front of the Field House.

“Blizzard Bash is designed for organizations to recruit new members to become a part of their respected organizations through music, games and a good time,” said Brandon Robinson, Blizzard Bash coordinator and a UWF senior majoring in communications. “Our organizations are given the chance to interact with each other on a whole different level. It’s sort of like our winter version of Argopalooza. It’s quite the experience.”

According to the UWF website, organizations will have the opportunity to compete for prizes while participating in the annual sled race, as well as a snowman-building contest.

Tara Kermiet, assistant director of the University Commons and Student Involvement, said there will be up to 75 student organizations at this event. She said it will be a great opportunity to discover what student organizations are on campus, considering that there were a few new organizations that were started in the fall.

“This is a traditional tabling event where student organizations stand at a table and try to sell their student organization to potential members and to students on campus,” Kermiet said.

“There is a lot of people, so even if you’re not looking to join a student organization, it’s a great opportunity to meet new students and interact with different groups on campus.”

Michael Krueger, UWF senior majoring in public relations, said, “Coming to any event put on by this school gets you more acclimated to the campus culture that happens at UWF, which is very unique. I think that by going to these events, it expands your mind with more about what an Argonaut is: not just a school representation, but also a way of life.”

The women’s basketball game vs. Lee University will conclude Blizzard Bash, starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Field House, followed by the men’s basketball game at 7:30 p.m. The Athletics Department will be giving away free t-shirts to UWF students while supplies last.

An artistic mock-up of The Next’s facilities gives prospective renters a sneak peek preview of what is to come.

Photo courtesy of Carroll Van Hook, regional leasing specialist for The Next apartments.

The percentage of students attending the University of West Florida from outside the local area has increased by 130 percent over the past decade, according to a 2014 housing study. As more non-local students flock to campus, the more demand rises for housing needs.

The results of the Student Housing Market Study, conducted by Brailsford and Dunlavey Consultants in 2014, confirmed that the development of additional on-campus housing is crucial in accommodating the projected increase in future students. The current percentage of occupancy for the nine UWF residence halls is more than 93 percent for all but one (Southside Village is at 83 percent capacity), according to the Brailsford and Dunlavey study.

While on-campus housing is offered, it is not required that students live on campus, even as freshmen. Ruth Davison, director of The Department of Housing and Residence Life at UWF, said in an email interview that “living on campus provides students a great way to live the collegiate life.” She said that she does not consider nearby apartments to be encroaching. “We provide a different experience to students who choose campus life over an off-campus rental,” she said.

Davison mentioned UWF’s specific themed housing, which is for students who want to share similar experiences. Other perks Davison mentions includes the benefit of living in close proximity of everything on campus and the ease at which you can meet new people and form long-lasting friendships.

In 2014, the UWF Board of Trustees approved an issuance of debt for construction based on the results of the market study. However, Davison said UWF is not constructing any new housing facilities at this time, because the debt issuance was delayed. This means many students will have to look outside of UWF for their housing needs.

One UWF senior who lives off campus, Cody Lonon, said, “As much as I love UWF’s campus, I enjoy being able to come home at the end of the day to a place that’s not completely immersed with school.”

Several student-friendly apartment complexes exist within a few miles of campus, but more have been emerging to accommodate the influx of new students. One new development, The Next apartments, located on Hillview Drive, is less than half a mile away from Jim Spooner Field and is currently leasing.

“University Student Living, the management company for The Next, believes in supporting the communities in which they operate student-housing properties,” said Carroll Van Hook, regional leasing specialist for The Next apartments, in an email interview. “The Next will also host multiple events each month to ensure a fun environment that offers opportunities for residents to engage with others in the building.”

The Next has already participated in several school events, such as Kappa Delta’s Spaghetti Dinner against Domestic Violence and Alpha Chi Omega’s Silent Auction.

As for the rumors circulating about a possible pedestrian bridge linking The Next to campus, Carroll Van Hook said, “At this time, it has not been approved by the necessary parties, although we are hopeful that it will come to fruition.”

With or without the pedestrian bridge, The Next will offer students a viable alternative to on-campus housing while also providing most of the same features, plus a few extra perks, such as a beach entry pool, a 24-hour fitness center, a tanning bed, study rooms and a clubhouse featuring recreational activities.

Davison suggests that students plan ahead for housing. “As soon as a student knows they need housing for the next semester, they should apply for campus housing,” says Davison. Students can apply through the UWF website.

With the spring sports season just around the corner, the University of West Florida hosted a Spring Sports Media Day and Luncheon to spotlight men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s golf, baseball and softball teams. UWF currently holds 83 championship titles, 53 of which were won by spring sports teams. Head coaches and two athletes from each sport attended to answer questions in the Argonaut Athletic Club on Wednesday afternoon.

Men’s tennis took the podium first. Head Coach Derrick Racine brought senior Kenny Brasil and junior Alex Peyrot to share the spotlight. Racine has been coaching for UWF tennis for 18 years with a career record of 409-89 and three NCAA National Championship titles alongside the men’s tennis.

Both Brasil and Peyrot were on the National Championship Team in 2014 and are nationally ranked in the top 22 players in the singles rankings. UWF men’s tennis is ranked No.4 in NCAA DII preseason rankings. With such high standards set for the tennis team in the preseason, the players approach the season with confidence.

“We have the same team we had last year,” Brasil said. “Everybody is back, were confident, we’re practicing hard and we’re hoping for good things this year.”

The men’s tennis program lost only one player off last year’s roster and has not added any new players to this year’s roster. The men’s tennis team is extremely confident going into the spring season with the same roster as last year, but with more experience. The UWF men’s tennis will begin its season at Columbus State University on Saturday, Feb. 6. For the complete schedule, see the men’s tennis page.

WOMEN’S TENNIS

From left to right: Senior Nina Bubelova, Coach Racine and senior Katarina Dikosavljevic were all smiles in anticipation for their spring tennis season.

Women’s tennis, also coached by Racine, followed the men. Senior Nina Bubelova and senior Katarina Dikosavljevic attended. Racine has also coached the women’s team for 18 seasons and has a record of 375-124.

While the men have made little changes from last year’s team, the women have made drastic changes to its roster after losing multiple top players. They have added six new players to the 2016 roster. Despite the personnel losses, UWF women’s tennis is ranked No.6 in NCAA Division II preseason rankings. Both Bubelova and Dikosavljevic are ranked in the top 42 players in national singles rankings.

Spirits are high as the UWF women’s tennis team heads into the regular season. They are confident that its 13-player roster has strengthened from challenging each other to be the best players they can be.

“I think that having a lot of girls at the same level creates a really competitive environment,” Dikosavljevic said. “We know what happens on the court, stays on the court, and we just all try to push each other every day and try to be the best that we can be.”

The women’s team said it believes that this year will be a battle for the top spot and it plans to treat every point as such. UWF women’s tennis will also open at Columbus State University on Saturday, Feb. 6. For the complete schedule, visit the women’s tennis page.

BASEBALL

From left to right: Senior Kyle Hamner, Head Coach Mike Jeffcoat and senior Brandon Nagem address the media after news of their second place pre-season ranking in the Gulf South Conference.

Head Coach Mike Jeffcoat brought along senior catcher Kyle Hamner and senior pitcher Brandon Nagem. Coach Jeffcoat, a former UWF baseball player, has been coaching baseball for 15 years. In his 10 seasons at UWF, Jeffcoat’s 356-190 record includes the NCAA National Championship in 2011.

As for the players, Hamner was named to American Baseball Coaches Association’s South Region Gold Glove Team for his performance in 2015. Nagem was selected last year as the 2015 Gulf South Conference Pitcher of the Year, and ABCA South Region Pitcher of the Year. UWF baseball was selected to finish second behind the University of West Alabama in the GSC this year in preseason polls. Nagem, senior Alex Greene, senior Chase Kiefer and junior Jarrod Petree were selected on the preseason All-GSC Team.

According to Jeffcoat, because the preseason polls are based on last season, they are insignificant to the performance of the players this upcoming season.

“The ranking are kind of subjective, opinionated and really based on what you’ve done in the past,” Jeffcoat said. “Where we start is definitely not indicative of where we finish.”

Jeffcoat will coach alongside other former Argonaut baseball players Kyle Brown and Justin Bennett. The UWF baseball team will start its 2016 spring season at Florida Southern College on Saturday, Feb. 6. See the baseball schedule.

MEN’S GOLF

From left to right: Freshman Bryce Geraghty, Head Coach Steve Fell and senior Talin Rajendranath are optimistic about their spring season due to fall successes.

The UWF men’s golf team followed the baseball team. Head Coach Steve Fell was joined on stage by freshman Bryce Geraghty and senior Talin Rajendranath. Fell has coached the UWF men’s golf team for 22 seasons with two NCAA National Championship titles in 2001 and 2008 as head coach. The golf team came out of its fall season as the No.1-ranked team in the nation.

Both Geraghty and Rajendranath finished in the top three players at fall tournaments. Players said that on a team of 13 players, team chemistry is key to success as a team and for the players’ individual achievements. Geraghty, a freshman from Gulf Breeze, said he feels he is adjusting well to the transition from golf at the high school level to college level.

“I’ve known these guys for a semester and I feel like I’ve known them my whole life,” Geraghty said. “We help each other on and off the course, we hang out together all the time and it’s things like that which make the transition really easy.”

The UWF men’s golf team will begin its spring season at the Matlock College Classic hosted by the Slammer and Squire course at the World Golf Village on Monday, Feb. 8. Find the schedule here.

WOMEN’S GOLF

From left to right: Senior Daisy-May Kenny, Head Coach Bryan Clarke and senior Fanny Starzmann address their fall season as well as their upcoming spring season.

Head coach Bryan Clarke addressed the media with seniors Daisy-May Kenny and Fanny Starzmann. Clarke, a UWF graduate, has coached the women’s team for four seasons. Both Kenny and Starzmann have been on the team since Clarke’s inaugural season as head coach.

Over the fall season, the women had the opportunity to go to the NCAA preview in Denver to practice on a high-altitude course. They hope to return in May for the NCAA Championship tournament. Because a team from the southern region has won the NCAA Tournament every year, except for last year, Clarke said she believes that if the women’s team can be successful in the southern region, they have a great chance at Nationals.

“We’ve got a lot of depth on our team, and we’ve got a couple new players,” Kenny said. “We’re fighting against each other but at the same time, we’re pushing each other, and I think that’s important to have a strong team.”

With nine women on the team, only five are selected to play in any particular tournament over the course of the season.

The women will start its spring season at the World Golf Invitational at the Slammer and Squire course at the World Golf Village on Feb. 7. Find the complete schedule here.

SOFTBALL

From left to right: Senior outfielder Emily Pettigrew, Head Coach Melissa Paul and senior pitcher Kalyn Chapman hope their momentum from last season carries on into the spring.

Last to address the media was the softball team. Head Coach Melissa Paul brought along senior outfielder Emily Pettigrew and senior pitcher Kalyn Chapman to represent the team. This season is Paul’s second season with the team and fifth as a head coach.

After losing all but one starter, the Lady Argos did not start its season the way it wanted. The Lady Argos finished with a lot of momentum and hope it carries into its 2016 spring season. With experienced players such as Pettigrew and Chapman returning this season, the team hopes to improve its record.

“This year has changed because we’ve really focused on building our culture,” Pettigrew said. “I think that this year that is our focus; being good teammates and playing hard and holding each other accountable more.”

Paul said they are trying out a new, creative system this year in order to develop skills and improve play. The UWF softball season will commence on Feb. 5 at Tuskegee University. Find the complete schedule here.

In what came as a welcome surprise to everyone, including UWF President Judy Bense, a $5 million gift was given to the College of Science and Engineering by Harold “Hal” Marcus Jr. of Pensacola. His contribution, the largest in school history, will be given to the college to be used for “unique equipment” and “undergraduate resources.”

Along with the gift, presented at a press conference on Tuesday, the College of Science and Engineering will be renamed the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering, with Bense describing it as “a brand new building.” This will be the first named college at UWF. Brendan Kelly, vice president of University Advancement, called the donation a “turning point in the history of the university.”

Marcus, who said he felt “happiness and enthusiasm that I did the right thing,” received a degree in Industrial Management from Georgia Tech. His 25-year history with UWF is highlighted by his 10-year term on the Foundation Board from 1998 to 1989. When stating his reason for the gift, he said he “wanted the check to be significant in Judy Bense’s presidency.”

Marcus has an established fellowship with the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, in which $7,000 has been given to a graduate student every year since 1994. His $50,000 donation to the Biomechanics Lab in the Department of Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science funded high-speed motion capture cameras.